In the vast world of skincare products, there aren’t many ingredients that everyone can agree upon. For every retinol acid or vitamin C there’s a snail mucus or dragon’s blood — ingredients that become trendy and can actually be amazing (so no offense to either of these), but that aren’t exactly on the tip of dermatologists’ tongues when pressed for their must-have skincare picks.
Hyaluronic acid is one of those gold standard ingredients that most derms love and will recommend. Even more impressive, it’s an ingredient that is universally beloved, whether you have dry, oily, combination, or even sensitive skin — it can benefit one and all. And adding to its long list of charms, you can find an HA at luxury prices, but you can also score one right on Amazon for a price that won’t break the bank. According to many dermatologists, the best serum for plumping skin instantly is no other than hyaluronic acid. Here’s what you need to know about this powerful ingredient, as well as info on a great serum choice to get you started.
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Why Hyaluronic Acid?
As it turns out, the reasons you should be incorporating HA into your daytime and nighttime routine are endless. You may have already noticed that quite a few skincare products, from cleansers and toners to moisturizers and even sunscreens, boast HA. The reason for this is because it’s one of few ingredients that can attract up to 1000 times its weight in water and lock it into your skin, providing a kind-of cushion effect that helps plump up your skin and instantly makes dehydrated skin feel soft and smooth.
According to Jenette Serrins, owner/founder developer/alchemist of Jenette Skin Care, Inc and Being in LA wellness spa: “Hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in our hydration levels and connective tissue of our skin and body. it prevents moisture loss in the dermis, which allows the skin to stay more firm and plump.”
Similar to collagen, HA is a naturally-occurring substance that the body produces. When we’re younger we have more of it, which helps explain why a baby’s skin stays so plump and smooth and heals faster. As we age, we lose HA, and restoring it with serums can help. Anyone who has tried cosmetic dermal fillers will also recognize HA: it’s the ingredient injected into the skin to fill in wrinkles and add volume to the face.
The best way to apply hyaluronic acid is to add a layer to slightly damp skin. Cleanse, tone, and apply a serum with HA while your skin is still slightly wet. This helps the ingredient absorb faster and more effectively. It’s also important to seal in this moisture with a hydrating moisturizer or night cream.
One To Try: RoC Derm Correction Fill + Treat Serum (Ulta, $7)
Whether you’re new to the HA game or are searching for an affordable pick for more hydrated skin, this is one skincare ingredient that comes in all price points. And one serum that is dermatologist recommended will only set you back $7: RoC Derm Correction Fill + Treat Serum.
“This serum combines the two ingredients we need to address fine lines,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at the Department of Dermatology at The Mount Sinai Hospital. “Hyaluronic acid helps immediately hydrate, plump, and fill in lines. Retinol improved the appearance of lines with continued use over time.” (a reminder that retinol is perhaps the most-studied ingredient we have to treat aging skin, as it has been shown to stimulate collagen and strengthen the foundation of the skin itself, according to Dr. Zeichner).
Whether you opt for a drugstore hyaluronic acid serum or a pricey moisturizer that contains HA, make this ingredient part of your skincare toolkit. It can help instantly plump and hydrate dry skin — and works for every skin type — making it a no-brainer skincare ingredient.
